Bandit thieves expensive relics from Queens synagogue

A man who allegedly stole two valuable Torah crowns from a Kew Gardens Hills synagogue was arrested August 28.

Thousands of dollars worth of relics were taken from a Queens synagogue while worshipers prayed upstairs.

The valuable Torah crowns were taken from Young Israel of Queens Valley last week during the temple’s evening services.

“This has never happened in the 50 years of the synagogue,” the synagogue’s executive director George Srolovits told the Daily News.

At first, officials believed the items were taken by someone to be polished.

The yarmulke-wearing thief was captured on surveillance entering the Kew Garden Hill synagogue and picking up a prayer book, before heading toward the unlocked ark in the basement. He is later seen on film walking out with a plastic bag allegedly holding the crowns.

The relics are said to be worth $650 each.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800)-577-TIPS.